Rain in Dubai, unstable weather to continue in UAE

Morning and evening temperatures on Tuesday set to reach highs of 16°C and lows of 12°C

Rainfall has been reported from some parts of Dubai this morning. According to the National Centre for Metrology(NCM), moderate rainfall was reported in Jebel Ali.

NCM has stated that the rain, cloudy skies and wind is expected to continue today, but will be less blustery and wet than the past few days.

And those who are not enjoying it so much should start feeling a respite from the rainy weather from Wednesday onwards.

With morning and evening temperatures on Tuesday set to reach highs of 16°C and lows of 12°C, Dr Ahmed Habib, a meteorologist at the National Centre for Metrology (NCM), told Khaleej Times that the unpredictable weather conditions will remain most prominent in the north and east of the country.

“The low pressure will move gradually towards the east during the evening and night on Monday and Tuesday. There will be a chance of rain in some areas, but mainly in the east of the country and across coastal areas too.”

Although the rain will continue today, it is expected to be only light to moderate rainfall.

However, in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, residents should expect continuing heavy downpours. The cloud formation will gradually decrease throughout the day today and daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 23°C and 26°C for the most part.

ERC helps affected people

There has been no escaping the wet and windy weather, which has been battering parts of the UAE since Friday.

Under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), 188 people affected by heavy rainfalls in Al Ain and Fujairah have been accommodated due to the unstable conditions.

The aid provider vacated 140 affected people in Al Ain city and 48 more in Kalbaa and all have been checked into hotels and other accommodations. Up to 600 people affected by the adverse weather in Fujairah were provided meals by the ERC and given temporary shelter too.

The ERC is currently collaborating with all state departments concerned, including the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and civil defence and police departments to provide the victims with all amenities of life pending their safe return home.

An emergency room has been established by the ERC General Secretariat and branches nationwide three days ago following the unstable climatic conditions warnings sent by the Centre of Meteorology and Seismology, as a result of which voluntary and operating teams have been mobilised in anticipation for any emergencies.

In both Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, no casualties or losses have been reported following the unstable weather conditions, according to a top official at the emergency, crisis and disaster management team and all affected families have been provided with the necessary accommodation.

40m gallons of rainwater drained off Ras Al Khaimah roads

Ahmed Shaaban

The Department of Public Works in Ras Al Khaimah, geared up to deal with the recent showers’ aftermath, has drained over 40 million gallons of rainwater from the roads and squares in the emirate.

Ahmed Al Hammadi, director-general of the department, told Khaleej Times that 122 staff employees have drained out 1.95 million gallons of rain water using 29 tankers, as part of 390 trips in the emirate from Sunday 9am to Monday 6am. “The total rainwater drained out using tankers and pumps hit 20.2 million gallons.”

Pools of water were pumped out from Al Dhait South, Khuzam, Kharan and Shaam areas, he added. “Up to 52 reports of ponds, landslides, and falling trees were handled over the same period.” A total of 173 staff employees drained out 1.53 million gallons of rain water on 29 tankers as part of 307 trips from Saturday 9am to Sunday 6am. “The total amount of rainwater drained out using tankers and pumps reached 19.7 million gallons.”

The large pools of water at Al Dhait South, Khuzam, Kharan, Al Daqdaqa, Suhaila, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Qusaidat, and Al Dhait North were pumped out, he explained. “Over 70 reports of ponds, landslides, and falling trees were handled over the same period.”

Meanwhile, Jebel Jais recorded the lowest temperature in the country – 5°C – according to the National Centre of Meteorology. “Heavy rains up to 35mm were recorded in Ras Al Khaimah.” The highest peak in the country, standing over 1,900 metres above sea level, saw up to 5,500 vehicles halting at the peak – 3,000 on Friday and 2,500 on Saturday.

Heavy showers lashed all parts of Ras Al Khaimah over the last two days, with some parts covered with hail and snow on Saturday and Sunday. The heavy downpour turned many parts of the emirate into big ponds of rainwater, and landslides have been reported in several roads, mainly at Al Tawain area.

Mountains and valleys of the emirate affected by the showers had turned into flowing waterfalls and lakes.

The RAK Police have also deployed more traffic patrols to ensure traffic flow and recover the stuck and non-functioning vehicles, if any, according to Marwan Jakkah, head of media department, RAK Police.

“No serious traffic accident has been reported on the roads and highways of the emirate due to the ongoing showers.”

However, he urged all motorists need to be alert, focus and careful, and reduce speed on the road during the rain.

“All residents are advised to avoid mountainous areas and the strong currents of the valleys, while all motorists are requested to reduce speed, pay attention while driving, turn on the vehicle lights, and observe traffic rules for the safety of all road users.

Residents exposed to strong showers and winds are requested to be careful, and call 999 in case of emergency.